8 Local Gift Ideas from NC, SC, and VA

When you buy local, you’re not only supporting a neighborhood merchant, you’re also re-investing in your community. This holiday season, avoid the door-busters at the mega department stores, and instead, get unique gifts for your loved ones from some of these fine local businesses in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

Sweet red wine from Duplin Winery (Rose Hill, NC): The largest winery in the South offers plenty of great gifts for those in the Rose Hill area or coming to and from the beach. Using the finest Muscadine grapes, Duplin bottles dozens of different types of wines, including the top-selling Hatteras Red. Their store also offers beauty products, jams, and sauces from their versatile grapes.

Aunt Ruby’s Peanuts (Enfield, NC): Halifax County is one of the largest peanut-producing counties in state and Aunt Ruby’s mail-order peanut business has spread these delicious (and nutritious) local snacks across the country. Order a can of classic Country Style Peanuts, or if you’re buying for someone with a sweet tooth, send them Chocolate Peanut Clusters.

Seagrove Pottery (Seagrove, NC): Seagrove and its surrounding hamlets are perfect for unique gifts from local artisans. The area is home to over 90 potters can trace their “craft bloodlines” back through as many as 9 generations. The North Carolina Pottery Center is a great place to get started before exploring Randolph County.

Bounty Basket from the Wytheville Farmer’s Market (Wytheville, VA): If you’re trekking through the mountains on the way to Grandma’s house, make a pit stop at the renowned Wytheville Farmer’s Market. With a variety of local vendors, you can put together a holiday bounty basket with blueberry jam from Henley Mountain Berry Farm, grass fed beef from Anderson, squash from Kent Oak Farm, and even homemade soaps from My Shepherd’s Farm. It would make a great gift or help stock up the family for holiday meals.

Fudge from The Fudge Factory (Beaufort, NC): Located on the Beaufort waterfront, The Fudge Factory one of the many eclectic businesses in this historic town.  Stop by the store to taste this delicious fudge made with the finest ingredients. You can also order a half pound (and up to 6 pounds!) of fudge online or over the phone.

Sporting goods from Schofield’s Ace Hardware (Florence, SC): Don’t let the name fool you! Although this 100-year old hardware store sells plenty of tools, paints, and construction materials, Schofield’s also offers a large variety of outdoor equipment for the sportsmen and women in your life. Find hiking boots, fishing poles, hunting rifles, and even the ever-popular Yeti coolers.

Growler from Southern Pines Brewing Company (Southern Pines, NC): Craft brewing is taking over the region and Southern Pines has now joined the party. Southern Pines Brewing Company is the first craft brewery in town and offers a great tap room for gatherings and tastings. If you try something you like, grab a growler to take home and a couple more for gifts.

Do you have other local gift ideas for the list? Share them on First Bank’s Facebook page.